Arrington Leads Tribute To Veterans During Memorial Day Service At Lubbock Cemetery

On Monday morning, some loved ones, fellow veterans and others from the community gathered at the cemetery to pay tribute to them and the countless other service men and women around the country who have died.

“It’s a solemn and sacred day to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, who spoke at the annual Memorial Day Service at the city cemetery.

During the service, the Lubbock Republican delivered a message about honoring the sacrifices of veterans. There are more than 40,000 veterans throughout the 29 counties in his district, he said.

“There is nothing more profound than the men and women who would risk so much,” Arrington said.

He also recognized Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in the military.

“Today we honor the greatest act of love,” Arrington said.

Darnell Diggle, regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, said the organization has sponsored the memorial service for the past 15 years. Her organization aims to educate the public about the history that shaped the country.

After the service, Lubbock area troops with the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America dispersed flags on the graves of each known veteran.

Grant LaFleur said that’s part of the reason he took his grandson, John Coleman, to the service. He wanted to pay tribute to friends, he said, but he also wanted to show his grandson the sacrifices others before him have made for their country.

“His age group doesn’t know enough about history,” said the retired U.S. Navy chief.

Coleman, for his part, said he’s interested because he aspires to join the U.S. Air Force one day.